The installation of an automatic conveyor-belt charging system for blast furnaces at the Louvroil plant of USINOR is described. The factors leading up to the decision to install the equipment are also discussed. The flow of raw materials from their reception at the plant to their distribution into the blast furnace is described in detail. Emphasis is placed on the conveyor charging system and its electronic control devices. Operating experiences with the fully-automatic charging system are described briefly.